The Rubio Estate
Founded: 2003 by Francisco Rubio
Region and grape source: The winery and their vineyards are located in Valle de Guadalupe approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean. All grapes are sourced from their estate vineyards. 
Vineyard specifics: Valle de Guadalupe - 1,100 ft - (Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Chenin Blanc, Palomino). Clay and decomposed sandstone mix. The site is one of the highest on the valley wall and has a gentle slope that faces southwest. 14 miles from the Pacific. Farming is organic. 
Winemaker: Alberto Rubio (Mexican born, lives in Valle de Guadalupe)  
Notes: 
- They are the definition of a family run winery -  all grapes are picked by hand and every family member has a role in an aspect of the operation. The tribe stays together. 
- The elephants on the labels each represent specific members of the family. The animal serves as a symbol of the fact that elephants always operate in packs or family units and have the survival strategy of surrounding, (rather than out running as is the strategy of survival for many species) the young, fragile and old members of the community when under attack.  If you visit their winery, you find their father running the tastings, their mother serving the food, the cousin making the wine, the younger brother running the kitchen, etc. 
Total production: 10 acres under vine, 6 wines, 2,000 cases